Luck of the Irish?

[WinnieThePoo]

Last night in the local bar I met Jim for the first time. A mutual friend introduced us because Jim wanted some firewood for the winter, and I speak fluent french and know a sawmill.

Jim is Irish, probably 5 or 10 years older than me. We got chatting about golf, and I explained although I was 19 handicap at my last club, I hadn't swung a club in 4 years and probably couldnt break 100. I started to explain that I was even less confident having been diagnosed with PD 18 months ago

Jim shook my hand. He was diagnosed 10 years ago (and is still playing golf). Clearly managing pretty well 10 years in, he has followed conventional medication, gave up alcohol 3 years ago, and reckons a positive attitude and pro-active meds, are the key.

Interesting to meet someone like that, with no knowledge of the forum, doing well enough. And a lesson in not presuming PD should hold me back

(To be fair, I went catamaran sailing in choppy seas last week on holiday, and remain fairly active. There is really only one golf course within 50 miles of here, although more than 20 just over the border in Spain))

[jimcaster]

It's time to dust off your clubs. I'm teeing off in about an hour. 😊

[WinnieThePoo in reply to jimcaster]

First match is going to be pool (billiards americain) before he returns to Ireland on Friday. Since we're both Liverpool fans he will be showing iron will power to lay off the celebratory booze after this weekends results

[Farooqji]

Thanks for sharing this interesting interaction

[enjoysalud]

I loved your story..........

How fortunate that you are bilingual. Double your chances for interaction/opportunity.

Los Angeles, CA, USA

[Goldencbc]

Nice to hear this. Thanks.

[ddmagee1]

Fantastic interaction with another “Parkie”! Having a positive attitude is important!

[alaynedellow]

I'm in France too but not bi-lingual yet its a work in progress.

[WinnieThePoo in reply to alaynedellow]

Hope the work in progress goes well. Have you discovered Michel Thomas yet?

[alaynedellow in reply to WinnieThePoo]

Yes repeat his lessons often. I'm in the Charente where are you?

[WinnieThePoo in reply to alaynedellow]

Haute vallee de l'aude . Quillan. If you build on Michel T, make mistakes, listen to French radio and speak as often as possible, it'll come. My wife has improved her french collosally in 3 years that way and now speaks to notaires on the phone as part of her job as an estate agent. Or use my technique and have a french girlfriend when you are 18 😀

[alaynedellow in reply to WinnieThePoo]

I was on hiking hol in pyrennes last week. Stayed near Couiza, may have passed you by. Small world. 👍

[ParlePark]

Great story Winnie. Thanks for sharing.